Areas: south

Hazeley Wood

Hazeley Wood is a beautiful natural area to explore on foot or by bike on the southwest edge of Whitehouse.

It was planted in 1991 by the Development Corporation and continues to be maintained and developed by The Parks Trust. The wood links with the North Bucks Way, which is a long-distance footpath and green corridor that runs all along the western edge of Milton Keynes.

• The Parks Trust website includes a suggested walk and activities.
• Milton Keynes Natural History Society outlines the wide variety of wildlife found in the wood.

Grange Farm

Another new residential development to the south of Whitehouse. The street names here are derived from British painters, including Thomas Gainsborough, Richard Cosway and Michael Ayrton.

Crownhill

Crownhill is a new development a short walk to the south of Whitehouse. It’s dominated by the crematorium which is set in seven hectares of attractive grounds and woodland areas. Many different faiths and denominations use the facilities, as well as those with no faith and the chapels and grounds are dedicated, rather than consecrated.

The street names in Crownhill reference the music business, with Marley Grove, Lennon Drive and Presley Way. Crownhill also has a large park which includes several play areas and outdoor gym equipment.

Great Holm

Crossing Watling Street and heading east from Whitehouse brings you to the new residential development of Great Holm. Street names here are derived from stately homes such as Highgrove, Chatsworth and Goodwood.

On the west corner is Petwell Park, a small park with a play area popular with younger children. Walking through Great Holm towards the east, will bring you to Lodge Lake. A beautiful lake set in parkland.

The Parks Trust outlines a 4.7-mile walk around Lodge Lake, Loughton and Teardrop Lakes on their website. Available to download as a PDF. This walk is accessible to wheelchair users.

Whaddon

For a more ambitious walk or cycle, head to Whaddon a pretty village southeast of Whitehouse.

The village has a rich archaeological heritage, outlined here on the Buckinghamshire Heritage Portal.

The oldest building in the village is St Mary’s Church, dating back to the 12th century.

The Lowndes Arms is a Grade-II listed pub in the village. It serves food and has a large beer garden and children’s play area.

The village is at the centre of the ancient Whaddon Chase, where the land has been used for many centuries of royal hunting. Whaddon Chase is designated an area of ‘Special Landscape Interest’.

During World War II the village manor house, Whaddon Hall, was the headquarters of Section VIII (Communications) of MI6. The “Station X” wireless interception function was transferred here from Bletchley Park in February 1940. Whaddon Hall is in private hands.

Shenley Wood and Shenley Toot

Further south is Shenley Wood and Toot. We’ve put together a separate article for more information about both.